Scarecrow Decorating Contest will aid Rollinsford Library

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Posted Oct. 12, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Posted Oct. 12, 2012 at 3:15 AM

ROLLINSFORD – Support your local library and participate in a fun, family activity through the second annual Friends of the Rollinsford Public Library Scarecrow Decorating Contest.The library’s largest fundraising activity of the year, the scarecrow contest is open to Rollinsford families, individuals, service organizations and businesses. The event culminates with the Fall Friends Celebration on Sunday, Oct. 21 from 2-4 p.m. outside the library at the Lower Mill in Rollinsford.“The great thing about this event is that it’s inexpensive and fun, yet a great way to support the library,” said Tia Pass, president of The Friends of the Rollinsford Public Library. “Both the project of building a scarecrow and the celebration at the library on the 21st are traditional fall activities that are fun for families, all while supporting an important cause.” There is a small $5 fee to register for the contest plus the cost to decorate. Simply register by Oct. 14 in person at the library at 3 Front St. or online at rollinsfordlibrary.org. Families are welcome to build multiple scarecrows. Build your scarecrow however you like. Be creative but keep them tasteful. Scarecrows should be built to withstand the elements, i.e., rain, wind and sun. Alison and Dan Cullity of South Street participated in the 2011 scarecrow decorating contest with their kids Stella, 6, Shane, 4, and Deirdre, now 12 months. The family made a clown scarecrow finding the necessary pieces – a wig, clothes and a jack o’lantern - around the house. “It probably took us just a few hours to assemble our scarecrow,” Alison Cullity said. “We had a fun time picking through the kids’ dress up clothes to see what would make the wackiest clown scarecrow. The kids definitely had a say on what the scarecrow would look like. They are excited to do it again this year.” Once registered for the contest, participants will be provided a registration number which should be added to your scarecrow. Post your scarecrow in a public spot such as outside of your home or business. Submit a photo of your scarecrow to rollinsfordlibrary@comcast.net. Then tell friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to vote for your scarecrow at the library or online at the library’s Web site. Voting costs just $1. On Oct. 21 bring your scarecrow to the Lower Mill for the Fall Friends Celebration where prizes for first-, second- and third-place will be awarded to contest winners. Scarecrows must be present to win. Voting ends at 3:55 p.m. on Oct. 21. At the Fall Friends Celebration from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 the public is also welcome to tour the library, vote on their favorite scarecrow, and enjoy concessions, kids’ crafts and games. Concessions are being sold for a small fee, all to benefit the library. “If you live in Rollinsford, it is important to support the Friends because the Friends support the library,” Pass said. “The town budget does not fully fund the library’s basic operating expenses, let alone the acquisition of new books and other services or lending materials.” Pass said fundraisers like the scarecrow contest and the chocolate tasting in the spring make it possible for the library to have extended hours, services such as public computers and Wi-Fi access, as well as new books, magazines, and other current materials for lending. “The library is very important to my whole family and we will gladly do what we can to support it,” Alison Cullity said. “RPL is one of our favorite places in this town. I bring my kids down to the library once a week for story hour or to just look at and check out new books, play with the toys, and see friends. My husband, a local high school English teacher, also makes regular visits to RPL to check out the books on sale to stock up on his personal collection of the classics.” For more information about scarecrow contest or The Friends of the Rollinsford Public Library e-mail rollinsfordlibrary@comcast.net or call 603-516-2665.